Round Among Admiral Yi's Homeland: 36 Holes Along Gokgyocheon Stream

■ Yi Sun-sin Park Golf Course in Asan, South Chungcheong Open Waterfront With No Obstacles: Four Spacious Courses Free for Asan Residents on First-Come Basis; Reservations Essential for Non-Residents Travel Along the Golden Ginkgo Tree Road at Hyeonchungsa Shrine

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By Moon Ye-bin
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A view of Yi Sun-sin Park Golf Course. Photo courtesy of Asan City - Seoul Economic Daily Sports News from South Korea
A view of Yi Sun-sin Park Golf Course. Photo courtesy of Asan City

The Yi Sun-sin Park Golf Course, embracing the blue Gokgyocheon stream, is establishing itself as a large-scale park golf course representing South Chungcheong Province. Officially certified by the Korea Park Golf Association, the course features a 36-hole waterfront layout built along the wide-open stream scenery, allowing everyone from beginners to advanced players to enjoy a leisurely round amid nature. Notably, reflecting the historicity and local identity of Asan, the homeland of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, each course is named after a historical figure, adding a differentiated storytelling element that offers visitors a distinctive kind of enjoyment.

Courses Named Yi Sun-sin, Jang Yeong-sil, Maeng Sa-seong, Yi Ji-ham: 36 Holes With Distinct Character

The Yi Sun-sin Park Golf Course consists of four courses (A–D) with different charms, totaling 36 holes. All courses are designed as Par 33, but each course differs sharply in length, terrain characteristics, and difficulty, requiring a fresh feel and precise strategic play at every hole.

Course A, the "Yi Sun-sin Course," runs a total distance of 688 meters. With largely flat terrain throughout and relatively low difficulty, it is well suited for beginners and first-time visitors to adapt to. The fairways are comparatively wide and designed to be easy, allowing players to enjoy a round without pressure.

Course B, the "Jang Yeong-sil Course," runs a total distance of 698 meters. It is the most difficult of the courses. In particular, the 5th hole is considered a representative hole requiring long-shot ability. Some sections require strategic play in which the ball must be lofted, so players need both distance and accuracy.

Course C, the "Maeng Sa-seong Course," runs a total distance of 725 meters, the longest of the four courses. Holes favorable to long hitters are arranged here, but with undulations throughout, it is difficult to score well simply by hitting far. It is regarded as a course that demands both distance and precision at the same time.

Course D, the "Yi Ji-ham Course," runs a total distance of 710 meters. Its strategic hole arrangement stands out, and it is favored by intermediate and higher-level users. Since results vary greatly depending on tee-shot positioning and second-shot strategy, course management ability is important.

Key Guide to Check Before Use

The Yi Sun-sin Park Golf Course is a public sports facility operated by Asan City, and admission is currently free. However, equipment needed for a round, such as clubs and balls, must be brought by individuals themselves.

Operating hours run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. These may change flexibly depending on turf protection and seasonal factors, so checking before a visit is recommended. The course is closed every Monday and on legal public holidays, and the dedicated parking lot can accommodate about 70 vehicles.

While accessibility is good not only from the South Chungcheong region but also from the Seoul metropolitan area, caution is needed as reservation rules differ strictly by user type. Asan residents can enter free of charge on a first-come basis after their ID is verified on-site, without any separate advance reservation.

Non-resident users must make an advance reservation. Reservations are conducted according to a designated schedule each month through the Naver Band "Yi Sun-sin Park Golf Course" or "Asan City Park Golf Course." After joining the band, users accurately enter their real name and area of residence in their profile and apply for their desired date.

In particular, on weekends and public holidays, a system giving priority to Asan residents applies, so non-resident users can only make weekday reservations and use the course from Tuesday to Friday.

A Historical Trip Touring Hyeonchungsa Shrine and the Ginkgo Tree Road Together

After a round, it is also worth recommending to fill out a full day's itinerary by linking with the abundant tourism resources nearby. The most representative connecting course is Hyeonchungsa Shrine, which honors the spirit and soul of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Located about 15 minutes from the course by car, it is a key historical and cultural attraction of Asan where one can look deeply into Admiral Yi Sun-sin's life and achievements before or after a round.

Depending on the season, the Gokgyocheon ginkgo tree road flowing right beside the course is also a course not to be missed. Especially in autumn, the yellow ginkgo leaves form a tunnel creating a spectacular scene, making it a nationally famous spot that provides the optimal environment to relieve the fatigue of a round while enjoying a light walk and rest.

In addition, it is good to plan a route bundling together the Oeam Folk Village, which preserves the tranquil rural appearance of central Korea during the Joseon Dynasty, or Onyang Hot Springs, which boasts a long history.

◈ Yi Sun-sin Park Golf Course at a Glance

▣ Location = Around 536-1 Seokjeong-ri, Yeomchi-eup, Asan, South Chungcheong

▣ Size = 36 holes (about 111,098 ㎡ / about 33,607 pyeong)

▣ Hours = 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (closed every Monday and on legal public holidays; subject to flexible changes depending on turf condition and season)

▣ Fee = Free

Hyeonchungsa Shrine in Asan, South Chungcheong Province. Photo courtesy of Asan City - Seoul Economic Daily Sports News from South Korea
Hyeonchungsa Shrine in Asan, South Chungcheong Province. Photo courtesy of Asan City

▣ Equipment Rental = Not available

▣ Reservation Method = Asan residents: on-site first-come entry without advance reservation (bring ID) / Non-residents: advance reservation required through Naver Band ("Yi Sun-sin Park Golf Course" or "Asan City Park Golf Course") (reservations available on weekdays Tuesday–Friday only; use not available on weekends and public holidays)

▣ Managing Authority = Sports Promotion Division, Asan City Hall

Original reporting by Moon Ye-bin for Seoul Economic Daily.

AI-translated from Korean. Quotes from foreign sources are based on Korean-language reports and may not reflect exact original wording.

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